Prescription drugs can be life-changing when used correctly, but misuse can lead to addiction and significant health risks. While many are aware of the addictive nature of opioids and similar medications, fewer realize that muscle relaxers can also become habit-forming. Typically prescribed for short-term use—often just a couple of weeks—muscle relaxers are increasingly among the most commonly misused prescription drugs today.
Frequently Abused Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers come in various types, each designed to address specific muscular and skeletal pain. Broadly speaking, they fall into two categories: antispastics and antispasmodics.
- Antispastic drugs target “spasticity,” a condition where muscles contract uncontrollably during movement or rest, often due to nerve damage.
- Antispasmodic medications are commonly prescribed for musculoskeletal pain and lower back spasms.
Here are some widely prescribed muscle relaxers:
- Carisoprodol (Soma®, Vanadom®)
- Chlorzoxazone (Lorzone®, Parafon Forte DSC®, Relax-DS®, Remular S®)
- Cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid®, Flexeril®)
- Metaxalone (Metaxall®, Skelaxin®)
- Methocarbamol (Robaxin®)
- Orphenadrine (Norflex®)
- Baclofen (Lioresal®)
- Dantrolene (Dantrium®)
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex®)
- Diazepam (Valium®)
Muscle relaxers are frequently sought through fraudulent prescriptions or “doctor shopping.” This growing misuse is contributing to a surge in prescription drug addiction.
Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers
Each muscle relaxer comes with its own set of side effects, and understanding them is crucial. A common side effects is that these medications often impair motor skills, making activities like driving unsafe during use. Other typical side effects include:
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
When abused, muscle relaxers can induce delirium, altered mental states, and physical dependency, with tolerance increasing over time. Higher doses intensify these side effects and make withdrawal and detoxification even more challenging.
Risks of Muscle Relaxer Abuse
Overdosing on muscle relaxers is a real danger, particularly when combined with alcohol. Both are depressants, and their interaction can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, consequences.
Common effects of mixing muscle relaxers and alcohol include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Memory problems
- Liver damage
The risk of overdose increases significantly with heavy or frequent use. Warning signs of an overdose include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Slowed breathing
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
If you witness someone showing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. For concerns about misuse that hasn’t yet escalated to an emergency, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-4357.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Seeking help for muscle relaxer addiction is always possible. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, our team at Sobriety Options is available 24/7 to guide you. We offer a range of services, from medically supervised detox to luxury sober living accommodations. Our program focuses on relapse prevention, fostering a supportive community, and helping you rediscover your passion for life.
If you’re ready to break free from the grip of addiction, reach out to us today. Together, we’ll develop a personalized plan to set you on the path to recovery.
About Sobriety Options
Sobriety Options is open 24/7 to provide support and care for those seeking substance abuse or mental health treatment. A branch of Solution Based Treatment, we serve as a central admissions office for seven different branches throughout Southern California. Our team is able to help you find the best sober living option for yourself or your loved one to help them get the care they need. For more information visit our website at sobrietyoptions.com or give us a call at (855) 485-0071.
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